Homemade Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe, featuring a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni gets enveloped in a decadent blend of seasoned milk and melted cheeses, then baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping of Parmesan-panko breadcrumbs. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or as a cozy side that's guaranteed to impress. Whether you're craving a classic or looking to elevate your mac and cheese game, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp granulated onion
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is well combined. Ensure no lumps remain.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onion. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and start adding the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in batches. Stir each batch until melted before adding the next. Once all the cheese is incorporated, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4958 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 234.5 g | 301% | |
| Saturated Fat | 140.9 g | 704% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 725 mg | 242% | |
| Sodium | 6706 mg | 292% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 474.7 g | 173% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.9 g | ||
| Protein | 236.8 g | 474% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.7 mcg | 54% | |
| Calcium | 4921 mg | 379% | |
| Iron | 20.2 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 1553 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
